Mexican Miss Universe Winners: Iconic Red Dresses & Beauty Secrets
The Miss Universe pageant is a stage where grace, intelligence, and style converge. For Mexico, it has been a platform for showcasing incredible women who have captured the global crown. A fascinating tradition has emerged from these victories: the power of a red dress. From Lupita Jones to Ximena Navarrete and Andrea Meza, Mexican winners have a history of being crowned in this bold, unforgettable color.
This article explores the legacy of Mexico’s Miss Universe winners, the story behind their iconic red gowns, and the beauty secrets that helped them shine on stage. We will also answer your most pressing questions about these remarkable women, including who Andrea Meza is, where she is now, and details about her reign.
The Tradition of the Red Dress in Miss Universe
Color psychology suggests red is a color of power, passion, and confidence. It’s no surprise that for Mexico’s Miss Universe winners, this color has become an emblem of triumph. Let’s look at the women who made the red dress a legendary part of Mexico’s pageant history.
Lupita Jones: The Trailblazer (1991)
In 1991, María Guadalupe “Lupita” Jones made history by becoming the first Mexican woman to win the Miss Universe title. For the final night, she wore a stunning red dress with a deep V-neck and elegant off-the-shoulder sleeves, designed by Ricardo Juárez. The dress, adorned with shimmering fringe and beadwork, moved beautifully on stage, capturing the judges’ attention and securing Mexico its first crown. Her win was a monumental moment, paving the way for future generations.
Ximena Navarrete: The Second Victory (2010)
Nearly two decades later, Ximena Navarrete brought the crown back to Mexico. Her choice for the final gown? A breathtaking red creation by Guadalajara-based designer Benito Santos. The one-shoulder dress, with its flowing chiffon and dramatic side slit, became instantly iconic. The vibrant color popped on stage, and Ximena’s elegance and confidence sealed her victory. The dress not only launched Benito Santos into international fame but also solidified the red dress as a symbol of luck for Mexico.
Andrea Meza: The Third Crown (2020)
Who is Andrea Meza? She is the software engineer and model who became the third Mexican woman to be crowned Miss Universe. Andrea continued the red dress legacy in 2020 with a spectacular design by Ivis Lenin. The gown, inspired by the golden age of Mexican cinema, featured a dramatic halter neckline, intricate beadwork, and a cascading fringe that took nearly a year to create. Andrea’s powerful presence and intellectual prowess, combined with the dress’s show-stopping design, earned her the title.
Many people ask, “How long was Andrea Meza Miss Universe?” Due to the pandemic’s impact on the pageant schedule, Andrea Meza held the title for 211 days, one of the shortest reigns in the competition’s history.
Answering Your Questions About Andrea Meza
Fans are always curious about what happens to these queens after their reign.
- Where is Andrea Meza now? After her reign, Andrea Meza embarked on a successful career in television. She is a prominent host for the Telemundo morning show, Hoy Día.
- Where does Andrea Meza live? She currently resides in Miami, Florida, which is central to her work with Telemundo.
- Is Andrea Meza still on Hoy Dia? Yes, as of late 2025, she remains a key personality on the show.
- Who is Andrea Meza’s boyfriend? Andrea Meza is in a relationship with American content creator Ryan Proctor, who is often referred to as her novio.
- Is Andrea Meza married? Andrea is not married. While there has been speculation about a boda (wedding), she and her boyfriend are not yet husband and wife.
- How tall is Andrea Meza? Her height is approximately 1.82 meters (just under 6 feet), giving her a commanding presence.
- How old is Andrea Meza? Born on August 13, 1994, she is currently 31 years old.
Get the Miss Universe Look: Beauty Secrets
Winning Miss Universe requires more than a beautiful gown; it demands flawless hair and makeup that can withstand the stage lights and long hours. Here are some beauty tips inspired by these queens to help you achieve a winning look.
The Flawless Base
A perfect complexion starts with a great primer. A product like the e.l.f. Power Grip Primer creates a smooth, tacky base that ensures your foundation lasts all night. For an added skincare benefit, the e.l.f. Power Grip Primer + 4% Niacinamide helps to even out skin tone while providing the same long-lasting hold.
Next, a high-coverage foundation like the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Longwear Foundation provides a poreless, matte finish that looks stunning on camera and in person. To cover any imperfections and brighten the under-eye area, a creamy concealer is essential. The NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer is a cult favorite for its buildable coverage and natural, luminous finish.
Setting for Success
To ensure your makeup stays in place without caking, a finely milled powder is key. The Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder blurs imperfections and sets makeup with a weightless feel. For a similar airbrushed effect that controls shine, the Hourglass® Vanish Airbrush Pressed Powder is another excellent choice.
A Touch of Color
A healthy flush of color on the cheeks brings the face to life. Liquid and cream blushes provide a natural, dewy look that blends seamlessly into the skin. Try the NARS Afterglow Liquid Blush for a buildable, radiant glow or the rhode Pocket Blush for a creamy, easy-to-apply cheek tint. For a unique, long-lasting stain, the Milk Makeup Cooling Water Jelly Tint offers a sheer wash of color that feels refreshing on the skin.
The Perfect Pout
Lips are a focal point, and keeping them hydrated is crucial. A lip treatment like the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm or the LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask EX – Berry works wonders overnight to ensure a smooth canvas for your lip color.
For a modern, glossy finish, lip oils are the go-to product. They provide hydration, high shine, and a hint of color. The Gisou Honey Infused Lip Oil offers deep nourishment, while the Summer Fridays Dream Lip Oil gives a luscious, non-sticky sheen. The YSL Loveshine Plumping Lip Oil Gloss takes it a step further by adding a touch of volume for a fuller-looking pout.
The Legacy Continues
The red dress has become more than just a piece of clothing for Mexico’s Miss Universe contestants; it’s a symbol of national pride, confidence, and victory. From Lupita Jones’s historic win to Andrea Meza’s powerful reign, these women have inspired millions. Their stories show that with talent, intelligence, and a little bit of tradition, anything is possible. As we watch future pageants, all eyes will be on Miss Mexico, waiting to see if she will once again embrace the power of red.